Category: Criminal Defense
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The Right to Represent Yourself – And What Can Go Wrong: Lessons from State v. Bridgewaters, 2025 UT App 160
In criminal court, every defendant has the right to a lawyer — but also the right to waive that lawyer and represent themselves. It’s a serious decision with serious consequences.…
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Why Skilled Legal Representation Matters – Lessons from the Utah Court of Appeals
Everyone has the right to represent themselves in a criminal case. But two recent decisions from the Utah Court of Appeals — State v. Bridgewaters and State v. Horrocks —…
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Utah Supreme Court Narrows Right to Appeal Pretrial Detention Decisions
October 31, 2025 – The Utah Supreme Court ruled in State v. Harris, 2025 UT 48, that criminal defendants do not have an automatic right to appeal the denial of…
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Unlawful Adolescent Sexual Activity in Utah: What the Law Says About Teen Relationships
Utah’s laws on sexual activity between teenagers can be surprisingly complex — and the consequences can be serious. As of May 2025, a new provision under Utah Code §76-5-401.3 creates…
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Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a 16- or 17-Year-Old in Utah
Many people are surprised to learn that in Utah, even 16- and 17-year-olds — who are above the age of consent in many states — are still legally protected from…
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Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Utah
Sexual abuse of a minor is a serious offense under Utah law, and it’s often misunderstood. This charge doesn’t require full sexual intercourse. It covers a wide range of contact…
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Unlawful Sexual Activity with a Minor (Ages 14–15) in Utah
In Utah, sexual activity involving a 14- or 15-year-old can lead to serious criminal charges — even when both individuals believe the relationship is consensual. These laws are designed to…
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When ‘Yes’ Isn’t Enough: The Complicated Reality of Consent Under Utah Law
Consent is often portrayed as a simple, binary question: Did they say yes? In schools, in PSAs, in the shorthand of pop culture, consent has become a clear-cut concept —…
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The Sex Problem
At what age can someone truly consent to sex — and when does the law say they can’t? This article breaks down how child sex laws try to answer that…
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State v. Smith, 2025 UT 45
In a recent decision, the Utah Supreme Court made it clear: judges—not juries—must decide if criminal charges are too old to prosecute. The ruling in State v. Smith, 2025 UT…
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Sexual Offenses in Utah: Overview & Legal Guide
If you’re reading this, chances are you—or someone you know—is trying to make sense of Utah’s complex and often overwhelming sexual offense laws. Whether you’re navigating a criminal accusation, supporting…
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Why Are Utah’s Sexual Offense Laws So Complicated?
Utah’s sexual offense laws are among the most detailed in the country — and for good reason. These laws aren’t built on a single rule or one-size-fits-all standard. They’re shaped…